John Dobson looks to brighter days with Stormers

Stormers coach John Dobson believes the only way is up for his side after they claimed a last-gasp victory over European Champions La Rochelle this past weekend.

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the two-time United Rugby Championship finalists, but with their Springboks back in the fold and some momentum building, Dobson is looking forward to much stronger second half of the season.

“From a big picture view, we played against an international class team. They were extremely tough, especially at the breakdown,” Dobson said.

“We got sucked into the arm-wrestle and didn’t implement our game plan, which was to open the field up, using our steppers and X-factor. So, I was frustrated with that. (However) I’m still very proud of the fight.

“There is a feeling that we could’ve done better, but we have beaten one of the best teams. They came fully loaded and desperate to win. So, it’s a very special win.”
Dobson was pleased with the forwards who put the French club under pressure in the scrums and managed to stay with them at the breakdown.

“The scrums were incredible. We won the scrum penalty battle,” he said. “The areas of concern would firstly be our inability to execute our plan and credit to La Rochelle for that.
“Secondly, our breakdown, which is what I coach, is a concern. The official said (La Rochelle flank Levani) Botia is one of the hardest flanks to referee because it looks like he is off his feet but he is not.

“They slowed our ball down; they got a couple of steals and penalties, which made it difficult for us to implement our plan because we didn’t get the fast-breakdown ball. Also, the turnovers, that’s how they scored the two tries.” Dobson believes his side can now kick-on from here.

“As much as we left it the last second, I do believe that we deserve to win,” he said. “We made it hard for ourselves. We had five entries in the 22 while they only had two in the first half.